Department of Commerce June 28, 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, its implementing regulations, and NMFS' MMPA Regulations for Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), notification is hereby given that NMFS has modified the expiration date of a LOA issued to Echo Offshore, L.L.C. (Echo) for the take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical survey activity in the GOM.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order granting a one-year interim extension of the term of U.S. Patent No. 7,517,522 ('522 patent).

As a result of this expedited sunset review, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) finds that revocation of the countervailing duty order on certain aluminum foil (aluminum foil) from the People's Republic of China (China) would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of countervailable subsidies at the levels as indicated in the ``Final Results of Sunset Review'' section of this notice.

NMFS has received a request from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to Phase II of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Restoration Project in Richmond, CA. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.

NMFS has received a request from Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Bight, LLC (Atlantic Shores) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to marine site characterization surveys offshore of New Jersey and New York in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Commercial Lease of Submerged Lands for Renewable Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lease Area OCS-A 0541 and associated export cable route (ECR) area. NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in the Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.

The MAFMC will hold a public joint meeting (webinar) of its River Herring and Shad (RH/S) Committee and Advisory Panel to review recent RH/S developments and develop recommendations for the MAFMC, including for the Atlantic mackerel fishery's RH/S cap.

The SEDAR 87 assessment process of U.S. Caribbean yellowtail snapper and stoplight parrotfish will consist of a Data Workshop, and a series of assessment webinars, and a Review Workshop. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

The Caribbean Fishery Management Council's (Council) Outreach and Education Advisory Panel (OEAP) will hold a public hybrid meeting to address the items contained in the tentative agenda included in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.